The question isn't just how we got here - it's what we do next. Joe and Alex are re-joined by Katherine Stewart for a special guest episode. Katherine has been researching the far right- from Christian nationalists to MAGA - for over 15 years, and her new book, "Money, Lies, and God: Inside the Movement to Destroy American Democracy" is a powerful look at how we got here - and what we have to do to defeat MAGA and restore American democracy long-term. What single lesson do pro-democracy advocates need to learn from the past decade? And what are the six reasons Katherine is hopeful for the future? Order "Money, Lies, and God: Inside the Movement to Destroy American Democracy" now: https://www.amazon.com/Money-Lies-God-Movement-Democracy/dp/163557854X Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Joe and Alex lead today's pod with some good news! Why wins in Minnesota and Iowa are good signs as we gear up for Virginia and NJ this year - and for 2026. How can Democrats' message evolve? Why Joe views this as a long-term battle - and we can win it. What does Trump's freeze fiasco tell us about what's coming? Turns out, when you put the Project 2025 guys in charge... they try to implement Project 2025. And one radical idea Democrats might want to look to as a way to unify against Trump. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Joe and Alex discuss how everything you've probably read about this week was a distraction from Trump's endgame. We all have to pay very, very close attention to what's happening behind the curtain. Why Trump's crypto capture scheme could be the biggest story in our lifetimes. And how social media is quickly becoming an arm of the state. TikTok, X, and now even Facebook... and why in the face of all Trump's distractions this week and beyond, Joe explains why we have to be more vigilant than ever. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We're back with our last show of Joe Biden's presidency. Why Joe thinks the Gaza ceasefire is an American diplomatic triumph - not Trump's. And looking back at the last four years - why Joe Biden's grade is NOT an "incomplete." Trippi looks back and honestly grades the Biden presidency. And - looking back even farther - how do we make sure what happens next isn't just a flash in the pan? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This might be the scariest fact we've ever seen about social media. You know it's bad, but this bad? And it explains a lot about how crazy political discussions have gotten online. 0.1% of users? No really. The amount of disinformation is staggering. And what does it do to our brains? Plus: What people miss when Trump lies. When we roll our eyes, we miss the point.And - despite the challenges in front of us - why is Joe optimistic about how we can break out of the funhouse?Read "Inside the funhouse mirror factory" here: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2352250X24001313Read the Atlantic article here: https://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2025/01/january-6-justification-machine/681215/?gift=bcL26f46jRxbKrUp1kTCRFgu6En8nVf7xwPsSYEqCiU&utm_source=copy-link&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=shareAnd visit getrealnews.org. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Joe starts the show by remembering Jimmy Carter with a story you've got to hear to believe. Of all the interactions with presidents Joe has had - why this one with President Carter has stuck with him. And our first look ahead to 2025 - what has Joe and Alex feeling optimistic going into the New Year? Hint: It's people like you listening to this...Subscribe to Dan Gilmor's newsletter, "Cornerstone of Democracy" here: https://cornerstone.ghost.io/Read Dan Froomkin's post on Trump and the press here: https://presswatchers.org/2024/12/trump-coverage-needs-to-change-and-heres-how/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the last show of 2024, Joe and Alex discuss a possible war with... checks notes... Greenland? Panama? It's just another day in the world of Trump. Why Joe thinks it's all governing by rally - and why it shows that the Trump coalition is still more fragile than many understand. Is Joe Manchin right? Is the Democratic brand toxic? Finally: What are Joe and Alex's bold predictions for 2025 and 2026 (and beyond?) Happy New Year everyone - see you in 2025! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Trump's going off the rails. And there's nobody left to stop him. Why his lawsuits against ABC and Ann Selzer aren't only ridiculous - they're really dangerous. And those tax cuts? Why Joe and Alex aren't holding their breaths. And how about all those tariffs bringing down inflation and gas prices? Joe thinks this might be Trump's biggest lie of all time - and that's saying something. Finally - handing Elon the keys to the government - what could go wrong? Read Dan Gilmor's newsletter, Cornerstone of Democracy, here: https://cornerstone.ghost.io/essentials-december-17-2024/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

MAGA's mobilization continues. What can we do to fight back? Plus: Kari Lake at Voice of America? More yikes. And what's Joe's take on the latest from Syria? As we look ahead - what does Joe's ideal candidate for President look like for 2028? It's not a trick question. What do they need to be doing right now to build the strongest possible base? Joe has one piece of advice they can't ignore. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The discussion kicks off with strategies for holding Trump accountable and the implications of his controversial cabinet appointments. Speakers reveal how fragile his coalition really is and why the next two years could lead to significant political realignment. They also examine the importance of Democratic strategies during confirmation hearings and the role of constituents in influencing Republican decisions. Finally, the conversation highlights the need for sustained civic engagement to protect democracy beyond just voting.